Soldotna, Alaska is located on the western edge of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, which occupies almost 2 million acres. After WWII, the U.S. government opened the area to settlement under the Homestead Act. Veterans of the armed forces were given the opportunity of selecting land to improve and live on. In 1949, the Sterling Highway linked the Soldotna area to the rest of Alaska. That same year, the Soldotna Post Office was opened and other businesses followed suit. In the mid-1950s, oil was discovered and was a huge economic boom for the area. Soldotna grew from a population of 300 and by 1967, it was recognized as a city.

Booming economies bring stress and anxiety to the citizens coping with expansion and an influx of new residents. Call a trained and licensed counselor or therapist in the Soldotna area if you need help coping with problems related to work or home life.

Psychologist Bobbi Cleary providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Bobbi Cleary

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
13 years offering treatment

Holistic health is complemented by the counseling process as emotional and mental wellness contributes to overall balance. This philosophy is part of my professional framework. It is a joy when a tool is learned and successfully implemented by those for whom I have the privilege to provide care. Empowerment is key to locating one's innate fortitude, a place from which to achieve healing, peace and ultimately joy. It is important for me to consider the specific needs of each client as no one is wired exactly the same. As such, I call my style "eclectic" in that I draw from different approaches to address a given goal - or set of goals - based on the unique challenges of each individual or couple. I utilize several approaches: reflective (Rogerian), cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, self-compassion, self-regulation techniques, and Gottman. The theory utilized lies beneath the overarching goal of making a connection that establishes a safe place in which to experience healing. I graduated from Alaska Pacific University in 2005 with my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have worked in psychiatric inpatient and residential settings, I.e. group, family, individual therapies and intake assessments, and in outpatient settings including agencies and private practice. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies (minor in French) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998. Living in Japan for a combined 2 years reinforced my love of people and learning what motivates them to behave the way they do. With this came an enjoyment of learning how language reflects a culture. Similar to Kachemak Bay that hugs the coastal town of Homer, Alaska in which I was born and raised, I perceive humans as evolving creatures whose "waters" can be stormy, calm, and affected by the tides. No matter how brutal the storm, calmer waters inevitably make their way to shore.

Psychologist Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins

Clinician
License Type(s): PhD,LCMHC,CCMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
18 years offering treatment

Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.

Psychologist Alaine Lagasse providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Alaine Lagasse

Clinician
License Type(s): BSW, MS,LPC Minnesota & Alaska
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and Alaska with 10 years of experience. As a readjustment counselor I worked with military veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. I assisted clients with various concerns associated with combat and sexual trauma including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substances abuse, and career challenges. As an independent contractor working with the BetterHelp platform I help many people from all walks of life who have experienced physical and emotional trauma and/or abuse. My counseling style is interactive but somewhat direct as I believe in honesty and facing our fears. I also believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I respect and honor all, including those who identify as Straight, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and acceptance & commitment therapy. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Brett Wilcox providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Brett Wilcox

Clinician
License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC-S,CDCII
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
25 years offering treatment

Brett Wilcox (M.Ed., LPC-S, CDCII) I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Alaska with 25 years of experience working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including PTSD, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, and interpersonal violence. I have significant history facilitating group counseling for teens and adults focused on substance abuse, domestic violence, and sex offending. I also enjoy working with couples. Coherence Therapy is my preferred therapy model. Coherence Therapy is a system of experiential, empathic psychotherapy that enables therapists to consistently foster deep, lasting shifts, dispelling clients’ symptoms at their emotional roots often in a relatively small number of sessions. The steps of Coherence Therapy carry out the process of memory reconsolidation identified by brain researchers. Understanding reconsolidation shows us exactly what gives new therapeutic experiences the potency to actually replace and erase entrenched, unwanted behaviors, beliefs and states of mind. Coherence Therapy differs from the approaches of standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in that it does not attempt to correct or change troubling thoughts, emotions or behaviors. Rather it enables clients to access and identify unconscious constructs empowering them to erase, transform and rewrite neural pathways resulting in profound and lasting change. Stated differently, Coherence Therapy does not label, pathologize or fight against symptoms, rather it addresses and resolves problems at the root level. Clients who have had lengthy unsatisfactory experiences with other therapists have thrived in my practice and found resolution within just a few sessions. My counseling style is informed by my foundational belief in individual autonomy and agency. I believe it is my role to empower clients to achieve their full potential and destiny in a strong and healthy manner. I view my clients as the experts in their own lives and do my best to minimize the power differential that frequently occurs in counseling relationships. I do not view myself as an expert who is reaching down to help troubled souls. Rather I view myself as a fallible human being who is able to empathize with others especially when they are unable to empathize with themselves. I do my best to avoid interpreting clients’ situations according to my perspective, because such interpretations are often incorrect and empowerment is better found when clients discover truths from within their own unconscious and conscious landscape. Each client is unique, therefore treatment for each client is also unique. If between session assignments are given, they are usually in the form of asking clients to hold in their conscious minds the constructs that emerged during the session. This simple task often results in a surprisingly natural resolution to issues that were seemingly entrenched and unchangeable. If these concepts resonate with you, then we may form a good team. If so, I would be pleased to meet with you for a few sessions so you can determine whether we’re a good fit. You are, after all, in charge of the process. If you so choose, I look forward to working with you! Specialties Addressing root constructs which result in poor self-esteem, body image, depression, anxiety, under-achievement, unhealthy relationships, couples counseling and addictions. I do my best to honor and validate clients’ various spiritual and religious experiences.

Psychologist Isatu Sidibe providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Isatu Sidibe

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,182520 ,Isatu K Sidibe
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years offering treatment

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience respectful, safe, and genuine. I believe that individuals are the expert of their stories and that they have many strengths that will assist them in overcoming things that challenge them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Fairbanks , Alaska with 7 plus years of experience working with people making a change in their life. I have worked with individuals challenged by depression, anxiety, anger issue, abuse, and life-changing situations. I have worked in several clinical settings including community mental health, hospitals, school, and prisons. I have experience in counseling couples, adolescents, and adults, and facilitating groups. My approach is strengths-based, solution-focused, client-centered, motivational interview, and cognitive-behavioral theory.

Psychologist Wroksie Jackson providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Wroksie Jackson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia and Alaska with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Ivy Villani providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Ivy Villani

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LICSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
6 years offering treatment

Hi there! Way to go on taking a beginning step to achieve one of your many goals in life. My name is Ivy and I have worked with people my entire life. I found that as a child, I was able to meet people and understand where they came from in a way that not many people could. As an adult, I have been able to develop that into a career. There is always a story that begins with "when I was a child", and mine is no different. When I was a child, I was faced with many different problems and situations that I felt that no one in the world could understand. I tried many different things in an effort to get my own life on track without letting anyone else know that I was struggling. As you may or may not know, this is not always the best option. However, what this did was that it lead me down a path of being able to walk in the shoes of other people; to see things as they see things. I have experience working with families who are involved in the child care system, both as foster parents and as clients involved in the system. I have experience with individuals who are questioning where they are in life and where they want to be. I have experience, helping people feel like people again. The way that I chose to work with individuals is that everyone is an individual and everyone lives their lives through a day to day schedule. I believe in checking in and allowing you to tell me what you need and what you want. What do you feel like you need today; what about yesterday. Can we plan for tomorrow? Do you need me to listen or do you need me to respond? Would it be helpful for a brainstorming partner or someone who can take all that emotional weight you have and take it off your back for a while? My work is not based upon a single method of thinking or processing, but rather whatever combination you need. I believe that even if you don't believe in your own ability to help yourself right now, it is there, and together we can make a difference and a change that you can continue to use and implement long after we are no longer working together.

Psychologist Clarita Requena-Layton providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Clarita Requena-Layton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alaska with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Esther Bold providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Esther Bold

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,LADC,CCPT-II
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years offering treatment

Hello and thank you for visiting my page. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - II (CCTP-II) I have 17 years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse field. I have my Master's from Southern Nazarene University in Marriage and Family and counseling (MA). I have had extensive experience with addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma counseling, and adults. I also have experience with family counseling. My approach to counseling is eclectic. My goal is to match the right approach to the right person. some of the counseling approaches I use are Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and experiential therapy. I help people realize their purpose as well as challenge them to be the best that they can be. Counseling is hard work at times and my goal is to guide you as gently as possible through the process. If you are ready to start the process of healing I would be honored to accompany you in the process. Looking forward to working with you.

Psychologist Juliet Daniels providing different types of therapy in Soldotna

Juliet Daniels

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years offering treatment

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in several state with over 10 years of active professional work experience. My experience has ranged from working in Dialysis to residential substance abuse programs. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence and addiction. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! You can change therapists by logging in to your account, clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the therapy page, and choosing "Change therapist" from the drop-down menu. Make sure you specify in the feedback what you are looking for. If you have any trouble with this, please reach out to the Member Success Team at contact@betterhelp.com

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Types of therapists available to clients in Soldotna

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Soldotna that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Soldotna available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Soldotna therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Soldotna therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Soldotna region and in the state of Alaska.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Soldotna can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Soldotna may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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